NGC/IC Project Restoration Effort

===== NGC 1538 is possibly IC 2045, or perhaps -- a bit more likely -- IC 2047. IC 2045 (no identity problem) is perhaps the brightest galaxy in a small cluster. Stone's sketch (at least my copy of the sketch), however, seems to point to IC 2047, the second brightest. Unfortunately, his position, as poor as usual, falls near yet another galaxy in the cluster. It was this object that was taken to be N1538 by Howe in 1901 and Reinmuth in 1928. So, the NGC identification is not at all certain. Observing logic suggests IC 2045, the sketch suggests IC 2047, and Stone's crude position has led to the third galaxy. All three are in the table of positions.

===== NGC 1538 24" (12/22/14): faint, small, round, 12" diameter (core only), very faint stellar nucleus. Holmberg 73 (double system) lies 3.3' SE and IC 2045 is 5.0' WNW. Holm 73a = LEDA 3093623 appeared faint, extremely small, round, 6" diameter (core). Forms a close pair with Holm 73b = LEDA 940994 45" NE. The companion is extremely to very faint, also just 6" diameter (core). IC 2045 (identified as NGC 1538 in RNGC and PGC) appeared fairly faint, small, slightly elongated, 20" diameter, very small slightly brighter core. IC 2045 is the brightest in a small group including IC 2047 5' ESE and Holmberg 73 (pair) 8' ESE. With my 17.5" on 12/30/99, IC 2045 was logged as faint, very small, round, 20" diameter, weak concentration. Situated between a mag 10 star 3' NE and a mag 9 star 5.5' SW.